Former Minister of Energy, Gjergj Bojaxhi, has commented on the energy agreement and infrastructure projects in the country, criticizing the way they are managed and the lack, according to him, of a clear economic strategy.

Referring to the debates on hydropower projects, including Skavica, Bojaxhi stated that he is not against the construction of hydropower plants, but emphasized that the main concern is related to the lack of transparency in decision-making processes.

According to him, a continuing problem remains the fact that "critical voices are not heard enough," calling for more public debate and openness of institutions to professional and civic opinion.

He also brought to attention previous ideas for the development of a port in the Seman area, which according to him would serve for the import of natural gas and the connection to the TAP gas pipeline, with the aim of turning Albania into a transit hub for the European energy market.

In this context, Bojaxhi also mentioned developments in the Bay of Vlora, implying that new projects must be carefully analyzed in relation to public interest and long-term economic impact.

George Boyaxhi: Unfortunately, in Albania, the law on hydro concessions was made and immediately changed in 2007. One of the debates is Skavica, but it is not up to me as a former Minister of Energy and head of KESH to oppose the construction of the hydropower plant.

What I would criticize is the non-transparent way this process was done,

What I see as the main problem in this case is that opposing voices need to be heard.

There was a concept to build a port in the Semani area that would bring in super giant ships with natural gas, and the idea was to feed these quantities of gas into the TAP pipeline. The idea was once that since it was difficult in Europe, it would be brought to the European market through pipelines.

He accidentally pointed out to me today that the new agreement was signed to do something in the Bay of Vlora.